Tunis, Tunisia
Landed in Tunis and met the Explore group of 14 at Hotel Omrane, walking distance from the Souk/Medina (old market). The Hotel was actually a very nice Hostel located in the heart of the city and in the middle of the business center, a 5-minute walk from the big station of the Tunisian National Railways (S.N.C.F.T.).
Our guide took us on an afternoon walking tour into the Souk. Tunis is a very modern but walking into the Souk immediately transports you into a colorful Arab atmosphere of custom-made perfumes, dim narrow streets that look more like alleys, and lots of shops selling rugs.
This was my first encounter with Tunisian, Moroccan, Algerian-style rugs - primarily flat weave "Kilims" and I fell in love with the vibrant colors and story each one told. Within days, I was a woman possessed and had embarked on a major carpet buying spree that lasted throughout the trip. (The suitcases just got heavier and heavier.) I rarely saw a carpet that didn't whisper, "Sheila, buy me."
The next day we visited Carthage by taking a little train (station T.G.M) that runs to Carthage, Sedi Said and its main beaches. Carthage was founded around 1000 BC by the Phoenicians (also the home of Hannibal) and became the most important and powerful trading center on the Mediterrean (and in the world). Its geographical location as the gateway to Africa meant it was a crucial strategic point. The Romans sacked Carthage in 146 BC destroying most of the old town. Many of the ruins date from the Roman period but two ancient Punic Harbors still remain.
Carthage
Walking around the ruins (which are very spread out), I kept replaying scenes from the movie, "Patton" in my head with George C. Scott uttering words about Carthage..."...there was a great battle fought here...I can smell it." And thinking about the World War II battles fought in Tunisia. We passed by several World War II cemeteries driving around Tunisia. Somehow, I had never made the connection between Tunisia and the War when planning the trip.
The highlights of Carthage were: the Museum and excavations on Byrsa Hill; Antonine baths, Punic ports, and Roman amphitheatre. There is very little left on the site that hasn't been destroyed and it required a lot of imagination.
Sedi Bou Said was another story...a cute little town filled with carpets, pottery, jewellery...and our first experience with excellent sandwich shops and Harissa...(more on Harissa later)....
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